The Siren Hotel

There may be no American city that’s had as dramatic a rise, fall, and rise as Detroit. And there may be no purer expression of the Motor City’s first golden age than the Siren Hotel. The throwback Italian Renaissance style of its lobby and public spaces is a departure from the industrial look you might expect, but it’s inspired by the building’s original architecture — this skyscraper, originally the Wurlitzer headquarters, opened in 1926, when this kind of opulence was the state of the art.

The Siren’s rooms take inspiration from the Roaring Twenties as well, but they’re contemporary creations, possessed of a slightly more austere stylishness. They’re not at all lacking in comfort — think Italian linens and hand-loomed blankets, and terrazzo tiles and custom toiletries in the beautiful bathrooms — but neither will they make you feel underdressed.

In its bid to preside over Detroit’s modern renaissance, the Siren features a generous selection of public spaces. Populace Coffee gets the day started, while Karl’s serves unpretentious American comfort food, while Albena, with just eight seats, features the upscale artistry of chef Garrett Lipar. Meanwhile, Candy Bar, the cocktail lounge, is soon to be joined by a rooftop bar, a piano/karaoke lounge, and even a record shop.